IVAW Convention 2010

All members of Iraq Veterans Against the War are highly encouraged to attend convention. In addition to building relationships with other members, we will be discussing the most important issues facing our GI and veterans movement. Members will have a chance to discuss lessons learned, brainstorm innovative ideas, and develop a common orientation towards the goals and strategy of IVAW for the upcoming year. Members will also meet with the current board and candidates, elect members for open board positions, review the status of our organization including finances, and participate in active duty outreach at Fort Hood. Key allies and supporters are also welcome to attend convention but are responsible for the cost of their own registration and travel arrangements. We are happy to recommend housing accomodations near the convention site. Preference for on campus housing is given to members and those with disabilities.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 6:00am

We are now in late registration mode.
If you want to stay on campus, the absolute deadline is Tuesday, June 15th at 12:00PM EST. After that point, you can still register but will be responsible for your own housing off campus. Registration fees go toward covering the costs of the venue, food, printing materials and other related convention expenses. The member late registration rate is now $75.00 ($50 + $25 late fee). Membership means individuals who have served in any branch of the U.S. military since 9/11. Supporters and allies are able to register late for convention for $100.00 ($75 + $25 late fee). If you have questions about late registration, email [email protected] with "Late Registration" in the subject line.

The national office and convention committee has prioritized creating a safe space for everyone at convention and will make every effort to acommodate for disabilities and any special housing needs.

ON CAMPUS: IVAW has secured a limited number of dormitory style rooms at the Allen-Frazier Residence Hall (#8 on campus map). Preference will be given to IVAW members for on campus housing. If you want to stay on campus, the absolute deadline is Tuesday, June 15th at 12:00PM EST. After that point, you can still register but will be responsible for your own housing off campus.

OFF CAMPUS: Huston-Tillotson University is located in downtown Austin so most of the hotels in the area are pricey. A list of recommendations can be found here.

If you require alternative housing arrangements or have any special needs please emai [email protected] with "Housing" in the subject line. LATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE: TUESDAY, JUNE 15TH @ 12:00PM EST

At the time of registering you must include your intended arrival and departure date. This information is necessary for us to plan adequate housing and food needs. You do not need to have your itinerary or ticket in hand at the time of registering, but we do encourage you to make travel arrangements ASAP. Please share with us the intended time of your arrival and departure as soon as your plans solidify so we can plan airport pick ups, etc.

BY CAR: We encourage members to car pool to convention. It is cost efficient, green, and an excellent way to strategize with members and supporters en route to convention. For a listing of carpools or to post your own, please click here.

Several major thoroughfares go through Austin, TX. The campus is located a few blocks east of IH-35. Take the 7th Street exit from IH-35 and travel east to Chicon Street. For more detailed directions try Google Maps. There is are free parking lots right across from the university on Concho Street (#25 on the campus map below).

BY BUS: Greyhound bus tickets can be booked through their website or by calling 1-800-231-2222. Huston-Tillitson University is about a fifteen minute or four mile drive from the Austin Greyhound Terminal. The public bus runs from about 6:00AM to 10:00PM.

BY AMTRAK: Amtrak train tickets can be booked here or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

BY PLANE: Flying to Austin makes sense if you are coming from far away or have a tight schedule. The cost for a flight to can be greatly reduced the sooner you book your flight. We recommend checking out Kayak.com and budget airlines like JetBlue orSouthWest.

Huston-Tillotson University is about a fifteen minute or seven mile drive from the Austin airport. We will coordinate your pickup at the airport but you need to let us know you need a ride and when you arrive/depart. Private shuttle services or public transportation is available at the airport terminal.

The public bus from the airport terminal to the university takes about forty-five minutes. This runs from about 6:00AM to 10:00PM.

Travel Stipend

All IVAW Members are highly encouraged to fundraise locally to attend convention. Fundraising tips are available here.

A limited number of travel stipends were available to pay for members' airfare. Unfortunately we cannot cover everyone's travel and needed to stick to a tight dealine on this. A committee will review these applications and determine awards according to availability of funds and financial need. Decisions will be made on a rolling basis so the sooner you submit your application the greater availability of funding. Note: The deadline for travel stipend applications was June 8th and is now closed.

IVAW is unable to subsidize allies or supporters travel. Travel and lodging for invited guests will be handled on a case by case basis. Please email [email protected] with "Travel Stipend" in the subject line if you have any questions. THE DEADLINE FOR TRAVEL STIPEND APPLICATIONS WAS JUNE 8TH AND IS NOW CLOSED.

Childcare is being organized locally for parents bringing their children to convention. If you need childcare or would like to volunteer as a childcare provider please email [email protected] with "Childcare" in the subject line.